Article Today, Hyderabad: The Tollywood has come to a standstill as a wage dispute between producers and cine workers’ escalates. For the past three days, shootings have been disrupted across Hyderabad. The core issue is the workers’ demand for a daily wage hike of ₹100, which the producers have so far refused to meet.
Workers Question Industry’s Double Standards
Film workers are voicing anger over what they call the industry’s hypocrisy. They point out that producers spend hundreds of crores on star heroes, yet resist paying basic hikes to technicians and labourers. Many workers say they have not asked for a raise in over four years. Now, even a small increase is being denied, leading to unrest.
Struggles of Daily Wage Workers Highlighted
Workers argue that their livelihoods are unstable. Unlike salaried professionals, they get paid only when shoots happen. Often, they are employed for less than half the month. They also claim that even half the amount spent on hiring dancers or hair stylists from Mumbai would be enough to improve their lives in Hyderabad.
Shoots Disrupted Across Studios
Following a call from the Film Federation, cine workers are refusing to attend film and serial shoots unless wages are revised. This has led to direct action on sets. At Annapurna Studios, workers stopped the shoot of the film Ustaad Bhagat Singh. A similar incident occurred at Sarathi Studios, where two members of the Costumers’ Union got into a heated altercation. The verbal argument between Union Secretary Narasimha and member Satyanarayana escalated to physical assault, leading to a police complaint.
Producers Respond with Tough Stand
The Producers’ Council has reacted with an ultimatum. It declared that they are not bound to hire workers only through local unions. Instead, they may bring in crew from other cities like Mumbai or Chennai to complete films on schedule. So far, there has been no clarity from producers regarding the wage hike.
Efforts at Mediation Yield No Result
Leaders of the Film Federation have approached the Labour Commissioner and also met actor Chiranjeevi to seek support. They are in talks with other senior film personalities. However, no significant breakthrough has been achieved. The issue remains unresolved, and both sides are standing firm on their demands.
No End in Sight to Industry Stalemate
As tensions grow, the chances of an immediate resolution seem bleak. With no shoots taking place and both sides unwilling to compromise, the silver screen faces an indefinite pause. The once-busy sets of Tollywood now remain silent, waiting for a truce.
